The long work week has come to an end, and another pile of new country and Americana albums has arrived for the weekend. Today's collection includes new releases from country legends, repurposed works from iconic songwriters, and debuts that have taken social media by storm. That means there's something for everyone this week.
Viral sensation folk-pop singer-songwriter Max McNown today released his debut full-length, Wandering. McNown, who draws inspiration from artists like Zach Bryan and Tyler Childers, has already found success on social media. Now he's stepping into a wider world.
[RELATED: Max McNown Introduces His Upcoming Debut Album ‘Wandering’ with Heartfelt Lead Track “Turned Into Missing You”]
“My Black Country: The Songs of Alice Randall” recreates and reinterprets the songs of hit songwriter, educator, and best-selling author Alice Randall. She holds the distinction of being the first black woman to write a No. 1 country hit. A group of black female artists, including Adia Victoria, Alison Russell, Rhiannon Giddens and Lissi Palmer, are reinterpreting 11 of Randall's songs from the collection.
outstanding release
It's a great day for fans of classic country music, as these two new albums demonstrate. The first is by a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and an undisputed legend. The other comes from an American Idol alumnus and pedal steel wizard who channels a classic country sound.
Legendary country vocalist Connie Smith released her new album Love, Prison, Wisdom and Heartaches today. In it she features songs made famous by some of her peers. Throughout the album, she pays homage to Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn, George Jones, Dottie West, Roy Acuff, and more. As for the collection, she said she doesn't think of it as a covers album. Instead, she said, “I'm singing on behalf of my friends. I want to share my friends while passing on their songs.”
With the help of her husband, producer Marty Stewart's band, The Fabulous Superlatives, Smith has assembled a collection of classic country songs sure to satisfy those seeking a traditional sound.
Representative songs: “Beneath Still Waters”, “World of Forgotten People”, “The Fugitive”
Those looking for a young artist who effectively channels the '90s country sound should listen to Alex Miller's new EP. My Daddy's Dad features five of his certified country bangers. Solid songwriting and unmistakably country instrumentation form the foundation of Miller's incredible voice.
The collection features two outside cuts and three Miller co-writes: “She Makes Dirt Look Good” and “Oh, Odessa.” The former is a solid song. But the Kentucky native truly shines on the tracks he co-wrote for the EP.
Representative songs: “My Daddy's Dad,” “God's Last Home,” “Ain't Never Say Never”
New Country and Americana Albums for April 12, 2024
Love, Prison, Wisdom and Heartache—Connie Smith Tender Boys—Will Hoge Wandering—Max McNown My Black Country: Alice Randall Songs—Various Artists Eclipse—Emma Zeck Nashville, Tennessee— Ernest Stellar Evolution—Aaron Lee Tasjan “Remember Me”—Maggie Rogers The Long Way—Nicolette and the Nobodies Flying on Abraham—Diane Birch Back to Us—Alex Harris One Deep River—Mark Knopfler The Heartless Sun—Leila McCullough All Is Song—Meisner and Smith A Hundred Highway—Moonsville Collective Food Stamps Can't Buy You Flowers—Caleb Montgomery A Place to Land Nothing—J.M. Stevens Six Gun Soul—Rick Monroe and the Hitman Newsman: The Man of Record—John McEwen Potholes—Call Me Spinster Baltic Street Hotel—Sophie Gault 5 —Tranmer's My Daddies Dad EP – Alex Miller Way Out Here EP – Riley Green Blue Town EP – The Storm Windows Ben Fugate & The Burning Trash Band EP – Ben Fugate & The Burning Trash Band
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Featured Image by Jason Kempin/Getty Images